We are nearing Spring. The time when tulips will begin to push up through the soil and their colors will soon be on display. We will hear the robins chirping as they flit about gathering material for their nests as they prepare to lay eggs once more. Each year our God displays his creative power and majesty through the beauty of creation that is all around us. Frequently we don’t notice. We are preoccupied. We have become so accustomed to living like this, distracted. Yet, these realities testify to the greatness of our Lord. They remind us that he is carrying out his purposes in this world. It is good for us to stop and notice. Psalm 24:1-2 tells us, “The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.” This is our Father’s world.

Why is it that we don’t notice these things? There is a lot of noise in our souls. There are troubles, uncertainties, conflicts within and without. Most of us have more information available to us, carried in the palm of our hands, than we know what to do with. These modern technological conveniences, which were meant to simplify our lives, have ended up complicating our lives. As a result, the noise within our souls is amplified. We don’t unplug. Psalm 46:10 is a poignant reminder, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Brothers and sisters, it is of critical importance that we remember what we are and what we are not. We are man, not God. God knows everything (Ps. 139; 1 John 3:20). We are dust (Gen. 2:7; 3:19; Eccl. 12:7), he is spirit (John 4:24; cf. Acts 17:29-31). Our days are numbered (Ps. 39:4; Job 7:16; cf. Ps. 90:12), his are without number (Deut. 33:26-27; 1 Tim. 1:17; 6:16). There is no one like him. “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen” (Rom. 11:36).

So, what do we do? How do we turn down the noise in our souls? First, we need to unplug. The constant barrage of noise, digital images, and information is not good for us. It must be limited. I don’t care to use the word “addiction” to describe such things. But, the truth is that we do form habits and practices by repetition. We have been trained, conditioned, to think we will miss out on something really important if we unplug. This produces (for some) a low-level anxiety that is a constant feature of our lives. The Lord desires for us to experience his peace. This is what Paul was communicating in Philippians 4:6-7, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Some may read this and think, “Can’t I stay plugged-in all the time and also experience the peace of Christ in my life?” If you look above at what Paul wrote, you will notice that prayer and supplication was the precursor to experiencing the peace of God in your life. When we are scrolling, or watching, or listening, we are not usually praying (at least not effectively). We are distracted. Our attention is divided. Friends, we must focus on the Lord with undivided attention. Call out to him in prayer with undivided attention.

Second, we need to get outside into nature. It is good for our souls to see things that people didn’t make. Creation is a constant reminder of the Lord, “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse” (Rom. 1:20). There are a number of different things you can do when you get outside. You can walk. You can sit. You can run. You can bike. The point is that you get outside where you can feel the sun on your skin, feel the breeze on your face, and smell nature. When you do, look at what you see. Notice the bees landing on the flowers. Notice the birds and hear their song. Notice the ants and their industrious efforts. Close your eyes and listen. What do you hear?

Third, we should pray. Thank the Lord for your salvation. Thank him for his beautiful creation. Ask him to quiet your soul. Let your requests be made known to him so that the peace of Christ may guard your hearts and minds (Phil. 4:6-7). Brothers and sisters, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Pet.5:6–7). May the Lord help us to be still and know that he is God.